Special Needs….just the title can mean so many things, but it is most often used in describing children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. It is also something very personal to me. It is something I have been trained to support.

The personal experience comes from having people in my life that have been labeled ‘special needs’ and living and learning with them.

I have much to say about the label of special needs, but that will take a post by itself!

The training just happened…as I was attempting to figure out what to do with my life. The opportunity to achieve my degree in Special Education literally fell in my lap. I love every moment of being blessed to help a family whose life has been touched by the realization that their child has been diagnosed with a disability. It is a hard realization, but it can also be one of the most rewarding things you have ever set out to do.

I love reading and researching about disabilities…it truly fascinates me. Most people enjoy reading fiction….no, not me. Give me a book discussing the latest research of environmental effects as it relates to Autism, ADHD and Sensory Integration and I am enthralled by what the pages bring….weird, I know. BUT, it does show how much I love what I do. This is what drives me, keeps me focused and leaves me wanting more. I’ll say it again….I love what I do. And there is always more to learn…when you think you have arrived at knowing all there is to know about special needs, you haven’t.

So, how does all this relate to a post about ‘Special Needs’. I think it is simply this…

I am here to encourage you, uplift you and let you know that you are not alone…and most importantly to EMPOWER YOU.

You are your child’s best teacher. You were chosen for this child (or children) and you have everything it takes to give your child what they need and frankly, what they want. It is in you! Are there challenges? Oh boy, are there! But again….you can do this and you are more than capable of completing the task before you. The amazing thing is…you are in great company. There is support on this site and on the community page as well. Find people who are walking the same path as you and encourage one another. It really is a powerful thing when we create a community that builds each other up….and it’s here!

If you feel you have more involved needs and desire some personal support, I am offering phone coaching which will enable us to talk on the phone on a regular basis or as needed. The details of this option are located on the coaching page.

‘Special Needs’ means many things to many people, but one thing you have in common is that you need each other and your children need to be accepted, valued and honored for who they are….right now. Not who they should be or who they might become, but the person they are right now.

So honor them by being their advocate, their mentor and yes, their friend….and know that you, too, are honored, accepted and valued….right now.